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Sad Your Plastic Surgeon’s Office is Closed Due to COVID? Here’s How to Cope

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans have been doing their part to avoid overwhelming the U.S. healthcare system. Although more than one-third of recent office-based physician visits were to primary care doctors, there are those who are doing everything in their power to avoid needing medical care during this time.

On the other end of the spectrum, however, are those who are chomping at the bit to get a beauty refresh. Cosmetic surgery has been on the rise for the last several years, thanks in large part to Instagram-inspired aesthetic trends, so it’s no surprise that many plastic surgeons and dermaspas have received impatient emails and phone calls from clients who are desperate to have a procedure performed. However, since many surgeries and other beauty services have been deemed non-essential and certain offerings are simply too risky to perform as coronavirus cases continue to rise, many youth-obsessed Americans don’t know how to cope with being in quarantine.

It’s certainly true that flattening the curve can do a number on your beauty regimen. But there are some good ways to deal with the situation until it’s safe to have Botox, fillers, and other cosmetic procedures performed once more. Here are a few ideas that can help you stay gorgeous even while you stay home.

Ask For a Virtual Consultation

Every year, more than 90,000 women have breast reductions. Although aesthetics may play a part in this decision, breast reductions are also performed to provide physical comfort and to reduce other health concerns. However, these procedures may not be available right now.

Generally speaking, getting any kind of unnecessary surgery during a pandemic isn’t a great idea. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan ahead for the future. If you’ve been considering breast reduction surgery or any other type of surgical procedure, talk to reputable providers in your area to see if they might offer a virtual consultation for the time being. Even as in-person appointments start to ramp up again, virtual consultations can be a way for all parties to stay safe while exchanging necessary information. Virtual consultations can actually lessen the need for subsequent visits, in some cases, and ensure that the patient feels comfortable with the surgeon and their recommendations. Although virtual consultations do have their limits (and often need to be followed up with another appointment), this can be a great way to get the process started and allow you to whittle down your list of potential surgeons without having to travel to an office and don a mask.

Research Non-Invasive Treatments

Many services that involve a lot of physical contact, especially in the facial area, are being delayed for now. So while the number of surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures grew to over 4.8 million in 2018, you’ll still have to wait a while before having anything performed. That doesn’t mean you can’t start researching, however, especially if you’re going the non-surgical route. Although you don’t want to put your body through unneeded surgery during a pandemic (as it can lower your immunity and make you more vulnerable to infection), there are plenty of non-invasive beauty options you might want to learn more about. It won’t be too long before CoolSculpting and injectables can be administered safely — so take this time you’re spending at home to learn more about your options and plan ahead for when they become available again. It’s not a bad idea to start saving for these procedures, as well; although that may be tough if you’re still out of work, having a goal in mind can be motivation for you to pick up a side hustle while you stay home.

Try a Peel, Exfoliator, or Microneedling Device

There’s nothing like a shelter-in-place order to get you to DIY your self-care. According to Dermstore, purchases of microneedling products and exfoliation devices increased by 150% and 350%, respectively, year-over-year in March and April. Since you probably can’t get in to see your dermatologist right now, why not take this opportunity to try out some new additions to your skincare routine? Although there might not be anything on the market that will completely replace the procedures you have in mind, these products can often hold you over for a few months. Even at-home facials are seeing huge surges in purchases. While you shouldn’t try anything too drastic or harsh, take this time to baby your skin and relax as much as you can for best results.

Do Some Skin Cardio

Did you know that giving your face a good workout can do wonders? There have been yoga poses developed to specifically combat signs of aging in the face. Experts say that these exercises increase blood circulation and allow more oxygen to reach the skin cells, resulting in a clearer complexion. These exercises, when performed for 20 minutes six days a week, can reportedly make a good alternative to plastic surgery. If nothing else, they certainly can’t hurt — so go ahead and act them to your regular home workouts.

Drink More Water and Get More Sleep

If you want your skin to look younger and more supple without surgery, you’ll probably see improvement by focusing on hydration and rest. Although drinking more water isn’t a magic solution for skin conditions, medical experts do agree that water helps your digestion, blood circulation, nutrient exsorption, and toxin elimination. Those can have some great effects on the skin and on your overall health. Getting more sleep can also improve the look of your skin. Your skin can more adequately repair any damage done during the day while you’re asleep — and if you’re not getting enough beauty rest, it’ll definitely show on your face. It’s not easy to drift off to dreamland these days, but going to bed early is less of a chore now that socialization opportunities are limited! Take advantage of the chance to get some extra shut-eye and drink as much water as possible to stave off both heat illness and wrinkles.

While you might be bummed that you’re unable to have your regular beauty procedures performed right now, it’s a small price to pay to keep everyone safe. By keeping these tips in mind, you can improve your appearance at home (and potentially save money!) and feel more confident during quarantine.

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